Michael's Big Kidney Journey — illustrated children's book cover
Children's Book · A MAVTG Health Story

Michael's Big Kidney Journey

Michael is adventurous, loves cars, and treasures his family. When his body starts sending warning signs, he learns that real strength isn't just physical — it's paying attention, asking questions, and accepting help. A warm, age-appropriate story for kids ages 5–9 about doctor visits, dialysis, and a life-changing transplant.

Kindle $5.99
Paperback $9.99

Why I Wrote This

Because kids need a way to understand it too

When my body started sending warning signs, the hardest conversations weren't with doctors — they were with the children in my life. Kidney disease, dialysis, and transplants are hard enough for adults to process. I couldn't find a book that explained any of it to a child in a way that was honest but not frightening.

So I wrote one. Michael's Big Kidney Journey follows a version of my own story — someone adventurous, who loves cars and treasures his family — as he learns that real strength isn't just physical. It's paying attention to your body, asking questions, and accepting help.

My hope is that a child reading this comes away understanding that doctor visits, treatments, and asking for help aren't scary things to hide from — they're part of how we take care of each other.


What's Inside

This book teaches children

Listen to Your BodyHow Michael learns to notice and pay attention to the warning signs his body is sending.
Doctors Are Your FriendsFollowing Michael through doctor visits that feel calm and reassuring, not scary.
Asking Questions Is BraveWhy speaking up and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Family Helps Us HealHow community and family support carry Michael through dialysis and a life-changing transplant.

Who This Book Is For

The reader I wrote this for

Kids Ages 5–9
Young readers who love a good story and are ready to learn about health, courage, and family in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Kids of Kidney Patients
Children whose own parent, grandparent, or family member is on dialysis or facing a diagnosis, and need a way to understand what's happening.
Parents and Caregivers
A read-aloud that opens the door to talking with your child about illness, doctors, and asking for help — without the fear.
Teachers and Caregivers
A calm, non-frightening way to introduce health and empathy topics to a classroom or family setting.

The MAVTG Book Series

Recommended reading order

01
I Missed the Signs
Start here. The story of years of symptoms ignored — and what happens when you finally cannot ignore them anymore.
02
You are here
Michael's Big Kidney Journey
The children's book. A warm, age-appropriate story for kids ages 5–9 about strength, listening, and growing wiser through doctor visits, dialysis, and a life-changing transplant.
03
Day One: Understanding Kidney Disease
The clinical companion. Every term explained in plain language so you can walk into any appointment fully informed.

Reader Reviews

What readers are saying

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Ready to read it?

Available now on Amazon in Kindle ($5.99) and paperback ($9.99). A gentle, illustrated story for kids ages 5–9 about strength, listening, and growing wiser through life's challenges.

Buy the Paperback — $9.99 → Kindle Edition — $5.99 →

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Medical Disclaimer: This book is a children's illustrated story inspired by real events. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified nephrologist or healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment decisions, and medical guidance specific to your situation.

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